With 5G coverage in the U.S. steadily rising, now is a great time to purchase a 5G phone and find out what the fuss is all about. We've tested some of the best 5G phones currently on the market to help you find one that suits your needs. Be it a top-of-the-line flagship with all the bells and whistles or a budget-friendly phone that offers a great experience at an affordable price point, the following list includes some of the best phones that will let you connect to a blazing-fast 5G network of your choice.

Our favorite 5G phones in 2023

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23
Best overall

A great flagship experience with mmWave & Sub6 5G support

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is our top pick for two main reasons: it offers a great flagship experience at a reasonable price and gives you the flexibility to choose between mmWave or Sub6 5G networks. The phone is compatible with all U.S. carriers and features dual-SIM support, allowing you to get the best coverage nationwide.

Pros
  • mmWave & Sub-6 5G support across all major carriers
  • A well-rounded flagship experience
  • Reasonable price
Cons
  • Mediocre battery life when connected to 5G networks
  • Slow 25W wired charging

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is our top pick for the best 5G phone currently on the market. We reviewed this phone and found it offers a well-rounded flagship experience with support for both mmWave and Sub6 5G. The phone is compatible with all major carriers in the U.S., so you don't need to worry about band support before picking it up. The Galaxy S23 also features dual SIM and eSIM support, allowing you to subscribe to 5G plans to two carriers for optimal coverage.

In addition to 5G support, the Galaxy S23 offers top-of-the-line hardware, including a gorgeous 6.1-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an optimized version of Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and a 3,900mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless fast charging support.

Furthermore, the Galaxy S23 packs a great triple camera setup on the back with a 50MP primary camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. For selfies and video calls, the phone features a 12MP front-facing camera. You also get a durable Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. On the software front, the Galaxy S23 runs One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, which offers a fast, smooth experience with a host of Samsung-exclusive features.

Despite offering the latest flagship hardware, the Galaxy S23 is priced at just $800 for the base model. But the best part is that you don't have to pay full price to get your hands on it. If you're considering buying the phone, check out our roundup of the best Galaxy S23 deals to get a discount and great trade-in value for your old phone.

iPhone 14-1
Apple iPhone 14
Best for Apple fans

Just as great for iOS users

If you're an iPhone user looking to upgrade to a new 5G phone, the iPhone 14 is the best option. Like the Galaxy S23, it offers a great flagship experience and support for both mmWave and Sub6 5G. While the phone is compatible with 5G networks from all major carriers, note that it only offers eSIM support.

Pros
  • mmWave & Sub6 5G support
  • Fast and fluid flagship experience
  • Reasonable price
Cons
  • No physical SIM slot or telephoto camera
  • 60Hz display

The iPhone 14 is a great alternative to the Galaxy S23 for iOS fans. Like Samsung's flagship, it offers a great experience overall with support for mmWave and Sub6 5G on all major U.S. carriers. It supports a range of 5G bands, so you don't need to worry about connectivity issues. However, it doesn't feature a physical SIM slot and only offers eSIM support.

The iPhone 14 packs Apple's A15 Bionic chipset, which isn't the latest SoC from the company. But it still offers a fast and smooth experience no matter what you throw at it. You also get a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 2556 x 1179p resolution that gets plenty bright for viewing HDR content and visibility in direct sunlight. Sadly, it's a 60Hz panel that won't feel as smooth as the Galaxy S23's display, but it's definitely serviceable. In addition, the phone offers 6GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 3,279mAh battery with 20W wired and 15W wireless fast charging support.

The iPhone 14 is a step down from the Galaxy S23 in the camera department, offering a dual-camera setup with a 12MP primary camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera on the back. For selfies and video calls, it has a 12MP front-facing camera. As far as durability is concerned, the phone features an aluminum mid-frame, a Ceramic Shield front glass, and an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.

Although the iPhone 14 isn't as great as the Galaxy S23, it's the most affordable flagship in Apple's portfolio. It's the best phone for iOS users who want a great 5G experience without spending over $1,000. But if the 60Hz display and lack of a telephoto camera, you can consider picking up the more premium iPhone 14 Pro models.

iPhone 14 pro
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Premium pick

One of the most premium 5G phones

If you want a premium iOS flagship that offers Apple's latest hardware and mmWave/Sub6 5G support, you can't go wrong with the iPhone 14 Pro. Unlike the non-Pro model, it features a high refresh rate display, a dedicated telephoto camera, and the A16 Bionic chipset. However, it also lacks a physical SIM slot.

Pros
  • mmWave & Sub6 5G support
  • Powerful A16 Bionic chipset
  • Great cameras with dedicated telephoto sensor
Cons
  • No physical SIM slot
  • Expensive

If the iPhone 14's 60Hz display, older A15 Bionic chipset, or lack of a telephoto camera are dealbreakers for you, and you're open to spending over $1,000, you should get the iPhone 14 Pro. It addresses all the shortcomings of the cheaper model and features support for mmWave and Sub6 5G on all major U.S. carriers.

The device packs Apple's latest A16 Bionic chipset, which performs significantly better than the A15 Bionic on the non-Pro variant. As we noted in our review of the iPhone 14 Pro, it's an excellent all-around performer that blazes through games, video editing, and other intensive tasks. On top of that, animations appear smooth on its 6.1-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, and the new pill-shaped cutout for the Face ID sensors adds to the overall experience. Although it has a small 3,200mAh battery, the energy optimization on Apple's newest chipset helps it deliver longer battery life than the base model. The charging capabilities are the same, though.

The iPhone 14 Pro's camera performance is also notably better than the regular model thanks to its 48MP primary shooter, which captures stunning, true-to-life images in most lighting conditions. It's accompanied by the same 12MP ultra-wide sensor as the non-Pro model, an additional 12MP 3x telephoto sensor, and a 12MP selfie shooter. When it comes to durability, the iPhone 14 Pro has a better stainless steel frame, a Ceramic Shield protective glass on the front, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

For $1,000, the iPhone 14 Pro is the best premium 5G phone for those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. The only possible downside is that it lacks a physical SIM card slot, but you can still set up two eSIMs on the device for optimal 5G coverage.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in green with transparent background showing front and back of the phone with S Pen stylus
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Most feature-packed

Most versatile and feature-packed flagship

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is undoubtedly the most feature-packed 5G phone you can buy right now. Like the regular Galaxy S23 model, it offers mmWave and Sub6 5G support on all major U.S. carriers, but it also features a larger, high-resolution display, better cameras, a bigger battery, faster wired charging, and a built-in S Pen.

Pros
  • mmWave & Sub6 5G support
  • Top-of-the-line hardware
  • Included S Pen
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Could be unwieldy for some

Samsung's top-of-the-line flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, is the best 5G phone you can buy if you don't mind spending $1,200. It offers everything you expect of a premium flagship, including mmWave and Sub6 5G support. The device works on 5G networks from all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. On top of that, it features a dual-SIM slot and eSIM support, allowing you to connect to 5G networks from two carriers for better coverage.

Like its affordable counterpart, the Galaxy S23 Ultra packs an optimized version of Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for fast and smooth performance. Samsung offers it in multiple RAM and storage configurations, and you can spec it with up to 12GB of RAM and an insane 1TB of onboard storage. You also get a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate support, and curved edges. A 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging support rounds off the hardware, and you get the same durable build quality as the base model.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra also features the best camera setup on any smartphone currently on the market, including a 200MP main camera that can capture super-detailed shots, even in low light. It's paired with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto camera, a 10MP 10x telephoto camera, and a 12MP selfie shooter. In addition, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a built-in S Pen for an enhanced productivity experience. It runs One UI 5.1 based on Android 13 with some exclusive features that let you make the most of the handy stylus.

Given that the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers the best hardware money can buy, it'll cost you a pretty penny. It retails for a starting price of $1,200 for the 8GB/256GB model, but you can get it for as low as $1,000 because it frequently goes on sale. While that's a reasonable price for a top-of-the-line flagship, you can save a bit more by utilizing the trade-in benefits on Samsung's website.

Galaxy Z Fold 5 render
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best foldable phone

A premium foldable with 5G support

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a further refinement of the Z Fold lineup. The smartphone looks similar to past Z Fold iterations, featuring a 7.6-inch main screen and a tall cover screen. On the inside, it's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a 4,400mAh battery. 

You can score up to $750 off with trade-ins at Samsung.com.

Pros
  • Supports mmWave & Sub-6 5G
  • New hinge for a better fit and finish
  • Powerful internals for reliable performance
Cons
  • Expensive price tag
  • Not much different from its predecessor

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the latest foldable flagship to hit the U.S. market. It's not a significant upgrade over last year's Galaxy Z Fold 4, but it still ranks among the top flagship phones with powerful internals, reliable software support, a premium fit and finish, and more. It's also a more powerful and well-rounded foldable compared to other foldables available in the U.S., making it our top pick.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5, in case you're wondering, comes with an upgraded hinge that allows it to close completely flat without any gaps. It also makes the Z Fold 5 feel lighter overall, but it doesn't get rid of the crease in the middle of the folding display. Samsung has also upgraded the internals to ensure the Z Fold 5 is capable enough to go toe-to-toe with all the modern flagships out there. It's powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy as the Galaxy S23 Ultra, meaning it's among the most powerful Android phones in 2023.

Much like the other Samsung flagships highlighted in this particular collection, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 also supports both mmWave and Sub-6 5G across all major carriers in the U.S. It's also readily available to purchase from a lot of retailers and carriers. There's not much competition to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in the U.S. market except for the Pixel Fold, which is also a pretty good option to consider. They share many similarities, so you might want to stop by our Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Pixel Fold comparison to determine which is better for you.

A render of the front and back of the Moto Razr+ in Viva magenta colorway.
Motorola Razr+ 2023
Best clamshell foldable

Pocketable phone with 5G

Motorola Razr+ (2023) is a clamshell foldable phone with a large 1:1 3.6-inch outside screen that allows the user to get a lot done without unfolding the phone.

Pros
  • Large outside screen lets you do a lot without unfolding
  • Bright, vivid main display with 165Hz refresh rate
  • Sleek and compact
Cons
  • No mmWave 5G
  • The battery life could've been better

Motorola's Razr+ is one of the few clamshell foldables available in the U.S. It's a great option to consider if you're looking for a pocketable phone that's easy to carry around and reliable for day-to-day usage. The Razr+ brings a relatively bigger outer screen, which allows you to do a lot more things without actually unfolding the phone. On the outside, it's a 3.6-inch, 144Hz OLED display that's big enough to run various applications.

Inside, you get a massive 6.9-inch OLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate. Keep in mind that the display has a tall aspect ratio, and you may need some time to get used to it. It is, however, a great display for all intents and purposes, and it doesn't have an aggressively visible crease in the middle as the Galaxy Z Flip 5 does. The Razr+ comes with powerful internals for reliable performance, and it's also a lot more affordable than the book-style foldables out there.

Sea Pixel 7a on transparent background
Google Pixel 7a
Best mid-range option

Best 5G phone that goes easy on your wallet

The Pixel 7a brings several improvements over its predecessor, making it a great option for the budget-conscious. This Google phone packs the flagship Tensor G2 chip, flagship-tier cameras, an improved 90Hz display, more RAM, better durability, and wireless charging support.

Pros
  • Supports both mmWave and Sub-6 5G
  • Looks and feels like a flagship phone
  • Reliable cameras
Cons
  • Slow charging speeds

Google's Pixel 7a has a lot going for it, and it's easily one of the best midrange phones you can buy in the U.S. right now. It is, in fact, arguably better than the Pixel 7 in many ways, so it should definitely be on your list of phones to consider in 2023. Not only is it a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Pixel 6a, but it also locks horns with a ton of other flagships in 2023. In addition, it supports both mmWave and Sub-6 5G across all major carriers in the U.S.

Another highlight of Pixel 7a is that it's powered by the same chipset as its flagship siblings. You get the same Tensor G2 chip and 8GB of RAM, making it just as powerful as the other high-end Pixel phones. It also now sports a 90Hz OLED screen, which is another major upgrade over last year's Pixel 6a. Moreover, it has a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide sensor, both backed by Google's impressive image processing algorithms to deliver good results. And since Google has added support for things like wireless charging, the Pixel 7a is an excellent option if you're looking to purchase a reliable midrange phone under $500.

OnePlus-Nord-N30-5G
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Best value pick

Best 5G phone under $300

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G brings the expected fast and smooth experience of a OnePlus phone along with an impressive 108MP camera at a great price.

Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Fast UI and capable processor
  • Affordable price tag
Cons
  • The build quality could've been better
  • Underwhelming camera performance

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G may not move the needle in the budget phone segment, but it's still a reliable phone for under $300 that brings some meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, such as 5G support. One of the best things about this particular handset is that it's among the best-looking phones you can buy in 2023. It definitely looks a lot more premium than what its price tag may suggest, so it's worth considering if you want a good-looking phone on a budget.

Another highlight of the Nord N30 5G is that it packs a 5,000mA battery, supporting up to 55W wired charging, making it the only phone in this segment to offer fast charging. What's more impressive is that it comes with a compatible fast charger in the box, so you won't have to spend any additional money to get the best charging speeds. Some other features of this affordable smartphone include a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 3.5m headphone jack, and a microSD card slot for storage expansion.

Best 5G phones in 2023: The bottom line

Out of all the 5G phones on our list, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is our favorite pick. It's a well-rounded device featuring a gorgeous and high refresh rate display, Qualcomm's latest flagship chipset, a great set of cameras, and an unmatched software experience at a reasonable price. In addition, it supports both mmWave and Sub6 5G networks from all major carriers in the U.S., so you won't have to worry about any compatibility issues no matter where you are. But if you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 14 is a great alternative.

The Google Pixel 7 is another great option if you want a flagship experience, great 5G connectivity, and impressive cameras on a tighter budget. But if you plan on connecting to a mmWave 5G network, you'll have to verify the model number before purchasing the device. We'll regularly update our list as more OEMs launch their latest 5G phone, so make sure to check back if you don't love any of the options currently on our list.

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23
Best overall

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is our top pick for two main reasons: it offers a great flagship experience at a reasonable price and gives you the flexibility to choose between mmWave or Sub6 5G networks. The phone is compatible with all U.S. carriers and features dual-SIM support, allowing you to get the best coverage nationwide.